External Halyard 50SWX – 60SWX Installation Instructions

Important

• THIS FLAGPOLE REQUIRES PROFESSIONAL INSTALLATION
• Please read and understand these instructions before installing your flagpole.
• It is important to select a location for your pole where it cannot be struck by automobiles, bicycles,
  lawn mowers, or any object that can damage it.
• It is most important to avoid any overhead obstructions. AVOID ANY LOCATION IN THE VICINITY OF POWER LINES.
• It is most important that you are aware of any gas or power lines or any type of obstruction below
  ground. Always contact your local “Dig Safe” service before digging or excavating the area.
• Do not allow the pole to lie around a job site. Keep the pole straight and dry during storage and erect as soon as possible after delivery.
• DO NOT allow children to operate a flagpole unattended.
• DO NOT climb flagpoles and DO NOT lean ladders against flagpoles.

Parts List

1. Flagpole Shaft (2 sections)
2. Ground Sleeve
3. FLAGPOLE FITTINGS
   1. Gold Ball (1)
   2. Halyard (rope) (1)
   3. Flag Snaps (2)
   4. Truck (pulley assembly)
   5. Tube of Loctite (1)
   6. Cleat with Stainless Self-tapping Screws
   7. Decorative Flash Collar

Tools & Accessories Required (not supplied by manufacturer)

1. Level
2. Pliers
3. Screwdriver
4. Cedar Wedges
5. Dry Sand
6. Sledgehammer
7. Drill and Drill Bit
8. Shovel/Excavating Tools
9. Crushed Stone
10. Wrench
11. Cement
12. 2×4

Foundation

The foundation requirements depend on the height of the pole, the butt diameter, and most importantly the type of ground content, i.e., gravel, dirt, sand, etc.

1. Dig a hole 3 to 4 times the diameter of the pole and deep enough for the ground sleeve to be flush with the surface. (If the ground is soft or sandy, increase the diameter of the hole.)
2. Center the ground sleeve in the hole and fill about 2” of crushed stone in and around the ground sleeve for drainage.
3. Fill around the ground sleeve with cement. When the hole is about ½ full, plumb the sleeve by placing a level into the sleeve at 2 points 90 degrees apart. As you continue adding cement, be sure the sleeve remains plumb.

Flagpole And Fittings Assembly

1. Remove the 2 sections of the flagpole shaft from the shipping tubes but leave the plastic wrap on the pole for protection.
2. Cut the shipping tubes into 3’ to 4’ sections and place them under the pole sections as rollers. Line up the 2 sections.
3. Have someone hold the top section and insert the bottom in as far as possible. Make sure the splice and the inside of the top section are clean. The splice is pre-sized for a tight fit. To get the splice completely into the upper section, use a 2×4 as a buffer and strike the lower end of the butt section with a sledgehammer. Do not hammer on the top of the pole.
4. Slip the flash collar onto the pole from the bottom, the fittings box can be used to hold this up when installing.
5. Apply Loctite to the threads of the gold ball and screw into the truck. DO NOT apply turning force on the ball. Use pliers on the spindle to tighten. Tighten the lock nut.
6. Screw the ball/truck assembly into the top of the pole. Use a wrench to tighten securely.
7. Thread the halyard through the sheave (pulley), attach the snaps (see illus.) and secure halyard ends with a square knot. Adjust the spacing between the 2 snaps to match the flag grommets.

If your pole includes a yardarm or a yardarm and gaff, install it at this time, referring to the instructions in the yardarm box.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR EPOXY INJECTION (for 50’ and above)

(Please note – Never place epoxy on splice outside or inside of section above, use provided injection holes only)

6. After assembling the flagpole using the guidelines made on the pole, and while it is still on the ground; the process of injecting the epoxy needs to take place.
   1. Make sure the pole is unwrapped above the two splice sections for at least 6 feet. This will expose the predrilled holes for injecting.
   2. Unscrew the cap on the epoxy cartridge. Save the plugs which will come out and the metal washer.
   3. Place the orange colored mixing tube over the end of the cartridge and screw the plastic cap back on.
   4. Place the cartridge into the gun so that the smaller tube lines up with the smaller plunger and squeeze trigger until some pressure is applied.
   5. Keeping some masking tape handy, pump the gun until epoxy comes to the tip of the nozzle. Place nozzle tip into the predrilled holes and pull trigger about 8-10 times.
   6. Remove from hole and cover hole with tape. Move on to the next hole etc,
   7. After injecting into all holes let the pole set for about one hour.
   8. Remove tape and sand smooth if needed.
   9. Continue on with installation of pole.

Flagpole Installation

1. When the cement is firmly set, remove the upper 2/3 of the plastic wrap from the pole, raise the pole upright, and lower into the sleeve. Rotate the pole so the pulley faces a direction away from the prevailing wind.
2. Cut strips lengthwise from a cedar shingle (wedges) and push them part way down between the pole and sleeve in 3 or 4 places. Double the shims, if necessary, to keep them from dropping in the space. The shims can be used to plumb the pole by sliding opposite shims up or down as necessary. Use a level to plumb the pole. Be aware, the pole is tapered, and the bubble will not indicate on center but should remain in the same relative position as it’s placed against the pole on all sides.
3. When the plumb is established, pack the area between the pole and the sleeve with dry sand and tamp it firmly. Break off the shims level with the sleeve.
4. Remove the rest of the plastic wrap.
5. Drill 2 cleat holes* approximately 48” above grade and opposite the pulley and secure the cleat with the self-tapping screws provided. Positioning the cleat on the opposite side from the pulley makes the halyard take a half turn around the pole, preventing a good deal of rope slapping in the wind. It also helps keep the pole clean.
   3/16” bit for 25’ – 40’

Caring For Your Fiberglass Flagpole

1. Dirt on the pole comes mostly from a dirty halyard. The polyester halyard is machine washable. Replace the halyard often.
2. When the flag is not flying, bring the flag snaps together and wrap them around the cleat to prevent them from hitting the pole.
3. Wipe off dirt marks with soap and water using a sponge. With white poles, stains or old dirt can often be removed with a mild bleach solution. DO NOT use sandpaper or any abrasive material on the surface. The pole can be polished with a non-abrasive cleaning compound recommended for fiberglass surfaces.
4. Proper flag etiquette precludes flying the flag in inclement weather. Furthermore, the flag should not be flown in high winds. It can damage the pole and place unnecessary wear on the flag.